Almost every sportsbook in Vegas allows betting on horses, but very few have dog race betting. Paris is one of those that does. Often my husband and I will sit around sipping free cocktails and making $2 bets on the greyhounds. I rarely win, but my husband usually does. It’s not like I only pick the long-shots… Oh well, I digress.
My favorite track to bet on is Derby Lane in St. Petersburg, Florida. In a total tangent, a scene from Ocean’s 11 was filmed at Derby Lane. It’s the one where they go to talk to Sal and convince him to join the group. I’ve actually been there, so I’m biased. You can bet on many different tracks in the country. Grab your odds sheet at the front desk, jot down the dogs with the coolest names, and you’re set. Take it to the counter, and try your luck. If you don’t understand dog-racing terminology, here are the basics:
place - your dog will get 1st or 2nd.
show - your dog will get 1st, 2nd or 3rd.
win - um, duh
exacta or perfecta - 2 dogs chosen in the exact order 1st place, 2nd place (Flash will get 1st place, Gordon will get 2nd place)
exacta box – this is essentially when you pay for two exactas Flash, Gordon AND Gordon, Flash (don’t mix this with the quiniela at the window.)
quiniela - you pick the top 2 dogs (order doesn’t matter)
trifecta - 3 dogs chosen in the exact order, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
superfecta - 4 dogs in the exact order 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th places (not offered in all casinos)

Of course, the picks where you have to choose the exact order pay more, with the superfecta being the most lucrative, and least likely to win.

Most casinos do not offer dog racing, because it is not parimutuel. That has something to do with how the casinos have to calculate and distribute the winnings. In short, it can be more risky for the casinos.

The reason I like the dogs better than the horses, is the gap between races is shorter, so if I’m playing only one track, I don’t have to wait so long between races. Usually the wait time is only about 15 minutes for the dogs. I guess I think the pooches are cuter too.